City staff are working around the clock to evaluate damage and cleanup and restore services following Monday’s unprecedented storm.

Toronto Water has received over 3,000 basement flooding calls and staff are working as quickly as possible to get to people’s homes. Due to the high volume of calls – which continues to rise – response times are significantly longer than usual. We appreciate your patience as Toronto Water works as quickly as possible.

Earlier today, I spoke to the head of Toronto Water and identified as priorities the flooding and storm-related issues that you have brought to my attention.

In the mean time, here is a helpful guide to basement flooding with tips on what to do and when to call for professional help.

If you have flood-damaged material – carpeting, furniture, etc. – please note that there will be special garbage collection starting this Saturday, July 13 and continuing on Sunday and Monday, if necessary. Here is more information on this special garbage collection and how to dispose of damaged materials.

Finally, Toronto Hydro continues to ask customers to conserve electricity as much as possible while they work to restore full service. Hydro One is still repairing Manby Station and this has made the city’s electricity system much more vulnerable.

Please consider turning off your air conditioning or setting it at a higher temperature – 26 degrees. Turn off all non-essential lighting. Close curtains and blinds to keep out the sun and limit the use of major appliances, such as dishwashers. Find more energy-saving tips here.

Thank you again for your patience as we work to recover and cleanup from the storm. I appreciate that it has not been easy for those who were without power or suffered basement flooding.

You should also never hesitate to contact my office by phone at (416) 395-6408 or by email at Councillor_Robinson@toronto.ca for any and all assistance.